On a positive note, in an other project I'm on we have finished our N2O/propane sustainer. Since Paul is extending the N-Prize for one more year we are considering applying just in case our vehicle meets the requirements...not sure if we can meet the total launch cost though.

I saw your Sugar Shot engine test, you are doing a great job. Me happens very often but mistakes are the path to the learning.

After nine months trying to validate the ignition system in Near-space, we succeed and, even our rocket was not ignited (Just the second stage, not the whole Launcher), we proven that ignition system works and GPS is reliable:

Hi guys,We did it again. We succeed to launch our 13rd rockoon in the nearspace. The liftoff was somehow chaotic so we do not know where the rocket went. The rocket is a simplified version of the second stage of the WikiLauncher because we are validating the method of launch from a PVC tube connected to the balloon.

Ignition must be faster than now because burst shakes the launching ramp very early. Rocket must liftoff before this vibration.

Congrats on how far you have got so far. On the registers jokey balloon launch project they have also run into high altitude ignition problems but they look like they have some interesting solutions it might be worth you having a look there.

I'm not surprised that the Aerotech motor didn't light. It looks like they used an endburner motor with a Crapperhead (Copperhead) igniter. These are hard to light even under normal conditions.

The Cesaroni motor had a better chance of igniting. I bet it would work if they added more pyrogen or some AP shavings to the igniter. Another thought would be to include a piece of an Estes BP motor at the top of the AP grain inside the casing. BP motors are much easy to ignite than AP motors.

_________________Say, can you feel the thunder in the air? Just like the moment ’fore it hits – then it’s everywhereWhat is this spell we’re under, do you care? The might to rise above it is now within your sphereMachinae Supremacy – Sid Icarus

Today we have got a pre-launch test based on a WikiBalloon without rocket and without satellite. Tommorrow is the official one.

The Launch 15 is placed at Canary Islands. It is the first time we launch from here and our objective is to demonstrate that it is feasible in terms of legislation and operation. We will not ignite the rocket for this time.